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The 100 Greatest movies of the 1970s. 16. Manhattan (8 Viewers)

92. The Towering Inferno (1974)

Directed by: John Guillermin

Starring: Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, William Holden, Faye Dunaway, Richard Chamberlain, Fred Astaire, Robert Wagner, Jennifer Jones, Robert Vaughn, OJ Simpson

Synopsis:
Skyscraper hotel catches fire trapping guests at a debut gala party on the top floor

It’s a fire Mister, and all fires are bad. - Steve McQueen as Chief O’ Halloran (he was asked how bad the fire was).

Producer Irwin Allen was the king of disaster films and this was one of his great ones. The action never lets up and we get the usual mix of reactions from the all star cast: panic, selfishness, heroism. Sure it’s hokey at times (OJ Simpson in his debut role is particularly unbelievable) but so much fun to watch.
 
Towering Inferno followed the familiar blueprint of all disaster films in the 1970s - multiple plotlines acted out by an all-star cast. This one was particularly campy and the morality plays are insultingly simple. Faye Dunaway in her underwear was my favorite part but then again I was 12 years old. Both
The Poseidon Adventure
(1972, same director) and
Airport
(1970) were far better films which at least attempted character development.

IMO

Fun film to watch when it came out but boy it does not hold up, at all. But in context - I loved all the disaster films of the 70s:
Earthquake, Airport 1975,
a couple others I'm probably forgetting. It was a genre unique to it's time, the apex of which also signaled the end.
 
Loved the Ben Cartwright/Moses skyscraper storyline in Earthquake. The image of the folks falling down collapsed stairwells still sticks in my mind. And Jim Brown as Evil Knevil was almost shocking. Good, stupid and cheesey, the best of the best,
 
A crime to mention Towering Inferno without mentioning the towering performance of Bobby Brady.

Also timely with Steve McQueen’s son Chad passing away yesterday. @dutch
 
91. Harold and Maude (1971)

Directed by: Hal Ashby

Starring: Ruth Gordon, Bud Cort, Vivian Pickles

Synopsis:
A young man and older woman are both obsessed with funerals and death.

The Earth is my body; my head is in the stars. Who said that? Well I suppose I did then. - Ruth Gordon as Maude

So I am ranking this film based on its reputation as a cult classic. I have had some close friends throughout my life who have regarded this as one of their all time favorite films. It’s not one of mine; I only saw it once in the 80s and I was unimpressed; I don’t mind black humor at all but this one was not for me. (Maybe because I’ve never been a “goth” guy; my friends who loved it were. Still I include it here as a tribute to them.)
 
91. Harold and Maude (1971)

Directed by: Hal Ashby

Starring: Ruth Gordon, Bud Cort, Vivian Pickles

Synopsis:
A young man and older woman are both obsessed with funerals and death.

The Earth is my body; my head is in the stars. Who said that? Well I suppose I did then. - Ruth Gordon as Maude

So I am ranking this film based on its reputation as a cult classic. I have had some close friends throughout my life who have regarded this as one of their all time favorite films. It’s not one of mine; I only saw it once in the 80s and I was unimpressed; I don’t mind black humor at all but this one was not for me. (Maybe because I’ve never been a “goth” guy; my friends who loved it were. Still I include it here as a tribute to them.)
Big fan of the film - Ruth Gordon was fantastic. That said, I think it's more memorable for the great Cat Stevens-driven soundtrack.
 
90. Straw Dogs (1971)

Directed by: Sam Peckinpah

Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Susan George

Synopsis:
American mathematician must defend himself and his wife from thugs in the British countryside.

No. I care. This is where I live. This is me. I will not allow violence against this house. -Dustin Hoffman as David Sumner

This film works because Hoffman’s character here, as in another movie coming up later, goes against type: Hoffman is a nerdy guy who is unaccustomed to violence forced into it. He is a hero because he is an unlikely hero, so opposite the action leads of the era (Clint Eastwood, Steve McQueen, etc.)

Pexkinpah was a visionary director. He was criticized at the time for what was thought to be gratuitous violence in his movies (this one andThe Wild Bunch were particular targets.) Of course the decades since have made this accusation somewhat tame. Still there is some shock value here in the suddenness and brutality of what takes place on screen.
 
89. Oh, God! (1977)

Directed by: Carl Reiner

Starring: George Burns, John Denver, Teri Garr, Paul Sorvino

Synopsis:
The Lord enlists a grocery store manager to spread the word of His existence.

The last miracle I did was the 1969 Mets. Before that you have to go back to the Red Sea. - George Burns as God

The hilarious screenplay is by the brilliant Larry Gelbart, who wrote the TV show MASH and, later on, Tootsie. I watched this film only recently and somehow it avoided being dated, which is often a surprise for comedies of the era.

It’s a strange thing to say that 81 year old George Burns became a comedic star with this role, but it’s largely true. For most of his career was known primarily as the straight man to his wife Gracie Allen; he rarely delivered any jokes himself. Here, and for the rest of his remaining 19 years he became the well known witty old man that people now remember- in this film it is John Denver who is the straight man, and he’s surprisingly excellent in the role. I can still remember my father saying “who knew John Denver could act?” But he could. And he’s very believable.

Teri Garr plays the disbelieving housewife, a role that she reprised again and again in 70s films as we will see. But I have to give special attention to the late Paul Sorvino, one film’s great character actors, who always manages to steal every scene he’s in no matter what the movie is. Here he plays a villainous televangelist and brilliantly comes across as a sort of slimy Jimmy Swaggert type (is that redundant?) He’s awesome.
 
in this film it is John Denver who is the straight man, and he’s surprisingly excellent in the role. I can still remember my father saying “who knew John Denver could act?” But he could. And he’s very believable.
He redeemed himself after his brutal turn as Cousin Oliver.
Cousin Oliver, Scrappy Doo, and Andy(little kid from Family Ties) belong on the Mount Rushmore of annoying additions to aging television shows. Who should the forth be?
 
in this film it is John Denver who is the straight man, and he’s surprisingly excellent in the role. I can still remember my father saying “who knew John Denver could act?” But he could. And he’s very believable.
He redeemed himself after his brutal turn as Cousin Oliver.
Cousin Oliver, Scrappy Doo, and Andy(little kid from Family Ties) belong on the Mount Rushmore of annoying additions to aging television shows. Who should the forth be?
Jarjar says hold my etc
 
in this film it is John Denver who is the straight man, and he’s surprisingly excellent in the role. I can still remember my father saying “who knew John Denver could act?” But he could. And he’s very believable.
He redeemed himself after his brutal turn as Cousin Oliver.
Cousin Oliver, Scrappy Doo, and Andy(little kid from Family Ties) belong on the Mount Rushmore of annoying additions to aging television shows. Who should the forth be?
How about Leonardo Dicaprio on Growing Pains?
 
in this film it is John Denver who is the straight man, and he’s surprisingly excellent in the role. I can still remember my father saying “who knew John Denver could act?” But he could. And he’s very believable.
He redeemed himself after his brutal turn as Cousin Oliver.
Cousin Oliver, Scrappy Doo, and Andy(little kid from Family Ties) belong on the Mount Rushmore of annoying additions to aging television shows. Who should the forth be?
Seven on Married With Children
 
88. The Fury (1978)

Directed by: Brian De Palma

Starring: Kirk Douglas, John Cassavetes, Amy Irving, Charles Durning, Andrew Stevens

Synopsis:
Evil government agency attempts to manipulate two teenagers with psychic and telekinesis powers.

What a culture can’t assimilate, it destroys- Charles Durning as Jim McKeever

This movie is classic De Palma and feels just like a Stephen King story. Lots of great action but the real drama and horror centers around Amy Irving, Andrew Stevens, and their weird Carrie like powers. Silly at times but mostly chilling.
 
88. The Fury (1978)

Directed by: Brian De Palma

Starring: Kirk Douglas, John Cassavetes, Amy Irving, Charles Durning, Andrew Stevens

Synopsis:
Evil government agency attempts to manipulate two teenagers with psychic and telekinesis powers.

What a culture can’t assimilate, it destroys- Charles Durning as Jim McKeever

This movie is classic De Palma and feels just like a Stephen King story. Lots of great action but the real drama and horror centers around Amy Irving, Andrew Stevens, and their weird Carrie like powers. Silly at times but mostly chilling.

Not sure how I've never seen this or even heard of it.
 
88. The Fury (1978)

Directed by: Brian De Palma

Starring: Kirk Douglas, John Cassavetes, Amy Irving, Charles Durning, Andrew Stevens

Synopsis:
Evil government agency attempts to manipulate two teenagers with psychic and telekinesis powers.

What a culture can’t assimilate, it destroys- Charles Durning as Jim McKeever

This movie is classic De Palma and feels just like a Stephen King story. Lots of great action but the real drama and horror centers around Amy Irving, Andrew Stevens, and their weird Carrie like powers. Silly at times but mostly chilling.

Not sure how I've never seen this or even heard of it.
ditto
 
88. The Fury (1978)

Directed by: Brian De Palma

Starring: Kirk Douglas, John Cassavetes, Amy Irving, Charles Durning, Andrew Stevens

Synopsis:
Evil government agency attempts to manipulate two teenagers with psychic and telekinesis powers.

What a culture can’t assimilate, it destroys- Charles Durning as Jim McKeever

This movie is classic De Palma and feels just like a Stephen King story. Lots of great action but the real drama and horror centers around Amy Irving, Andrew Stevens, and their weird Carrie like powers. Silly at times but mostly chilling.

Not sure how I've never seen this or even heard of it.
ditto
triplo
 
87. Grease (1978)

Directed by: Randal Kleiser

Starring: John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing, Jeff Conaway

Synopsis:
Summer lovers revisit their relationship at 50s high school

She looks too pure to be pink- Stockard Channing as Rizzo

I never really liked this. The music is OK; some of it is catchy. The film is OK. Obviously extremely popular. I had to put it somewhere; this seems about right.
 
I am pretty sure I have seen Grease more than any other film from the 70’s. Saw it in the theater when I was 11. It was my mom’s favorite movie, and I watched it a ton on VHS. Both of my wives ended up loving it as well, and when it comes on TV somewhere, I’ll still watch it. Is it the best movie of the decade? Not by any stretch, but it’s fun, it’s still entertaining, and it brings back a lot of memories.
 
87. Grease (1978)

Directed by: Randal Kleiser

Starring: John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing, Jeff Conaway

Synopsis:
Summer lovers revisit their relationship at 50s high school

She looks too pure to be pink- Stockard Channing as Rizzo

I never really liked this. The music is OK; some of it is catchy. The film is OK. Obviously extremely popular. I had to put it somewhere; this seems about right.
Agreed - far from high cinema, but a lot of fun and good tunes.
 
87. Grease (1978)

Directed by: Randal Kleiser

Starring: John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing, Jeff Conaway

Synopsis:
Summer lovers revisit their relationship at 50s high school

She looks too pure to be pink- Stockard Channing as Rizzo

I never really liked this. The music is OK; some of it is catchy. The film is OK. Obviously extremely popular. I had to put it somewhere; this seems about right.
A little @squistion FUN FACT:
Director Randal Kleiser spills all on the latest edition of The Hollywood Reporter's 'It Happened in Hollywood' podcast.

Deep Throat star Harry Reems was hired to play Coach Calhoun in the 1978 Paramount blockbuster Grease. It all unraveled, however, when studio executives caught wind of the plan and forced producer Alan Carr to fire the adult film star from the production.

That surprising detail came out on the latest episode of It Happened in Hollywood, the Hollywood Reporter podcast that revisits the making of classic films, told by the people who made them.

Joining the podcast this week is Grease director Randal Kleiser, who was 31 when he was tapped to helm the splashy Broadway musical adaptation at the urging of star John Travolta, then 23, whom Kleiser had directed in the ABC TV movie The Boy in the Plastic Bubble.

“[Alan] actually hired him,” recalls Kleiser of Reems. “And the studio said, ‘No no no. You can’t do that.’ And so they had to fire him.” Kleiser instead hired legendary comic and TV pioneer Sid Caesar to play the coach, a role that would introduce him to many new generations of fans.

Still, Reems was left hurting by the switch-up.

“Alan felt so bad that he gave Harry $5,000 out of his own pocket, but the poor guy was very devastated. Because it was his moment to move from porn to the real upscale world,” says Kleiser.
 
88. The Fury (1978)

Directed by: Brian De Palma

Starring: Kirk Douglas, John Cassavetes, Amy Irving, Charles Durning, Andrew Stevens

Synopsis:
Evil government agency attempts to manipulate two teenagers with psychic and telekinesis powers.

What a culture can’t assimilate, it destroys- Charles Durning as Jim McKeever

This movie is classic De Palma and feels just like a Stephen King story. Lots of great action but the real drama and horror centers around Amy Irving, Andrew Stevens, and their weird Carrie like powers. Silly at times but mostly chilling.

Not sure how I've never seen this or even heard of it.
ditto
triplo
Feel like this was on TV a bit back then. While I don't remember specifics, the whole thing- especially Amy Irving- sounds really, really familiar. Also feels like this was a somewhat popular theme back then.. kids with abilities who weren't superheroes, just kids with powers, and a government wanting to shut them down.. pretty sure there was a 6 Million dollar man episode or three aeound this
 
88. The Fury (1978)

Directed by: Brian De Palma

Starring: Kirk Douglas, John Cassavetes, Amy Irving, Charles Durning, Andrew Stevens

Synopsis:
Evil government agency attempts to manipulate two teenagers with psychic and telekinesis powers.

What a culture can’t assimilate, it destroys- Charles Durning as Jim McKeever

This movie is classic De Palma and feels just like a Stephen King story. Lots of great action but the real drama and horror centers around Amy Irving, Andrew Stevens, and their weird Carrie like powers. Silly at times but mostly chilling.

Not sure how I've never seen this or even heard of it.
ditto
triplo
Feel like this was on TV a bit back then. While I don't remember specifics, the whole thing- especially Amy Irving- sounds really, really familiar. Also feels like this was a somewhat popular theme back then.. kids with abilities who weren't superheroes, just kids with powers, and a government wanting to shut them down.. pretty sure there was a 6 Million dollar man episode or three aeound this
And Firestarter a little later
 
86. Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979)

Directed by: Terry Jones

Starring: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin

Synopsis:
A man born on the same day as Jesus Christ gets confused with the Messiah.

He’s not the Messiah; he’s a very naughty boy. Now piss off! - Terry Jones as Mandy Cohen (Brian’s mother)

Hilarious black comedy designed to be outrageous. It’s been many years since I’ve watched this so I need to see it again. I still laugh about the Judean People’s Front. So silly.
 
86. Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979)

Directed by: Terry Jones

Starring: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin

Synopsis:
A man born on the same day as Jesus Christ gets confused with the Messiah.

He’s not the Messiah; he’s a very naughty boy. Now piss off! - Terry Jones as Mandy Cohen (Brian’s mother)

Hilarious black comedy designed to be outrageous. It’s been many years since I’ve watched this so I need to see it again. I still laugh about the Judean People’s Front. So silly.
:lol:You just made my day a little brighter
 
85. Bananas (1971)

Directed by: Woody Allen

Starring: Woody Allen, Louise Lasser, Carlos Montalban, Howard Cosell

Synopsis:
New Yorker inadvertently gets involved in a Latin American revolution.

I once stole a pornagraphic book that was written in braille. I used to rub the dirty parts. - Woody Allen as Fielding Mellish

Another one of Woody Allen’s earlier, more “slapstick” comedies. You can sense the transformation starting to take place however because this film with its takes on relationships and politics focuses on subject matter that begins to move the director towards his more celebrated works in the latter half of the decade. But mainly this movie is filled with silly yet irresistible one liners.
 
84. The Day of the Jackal (1973)

Directed by: Fred Zinneman

Starting: Edward Fox, Alan Badal, Tony Britton

Synopsis:
British assassin is hired to kill Charles De Gaulle

It’s possible (to kill De Gaulle). The point is getting away with it. And speaking as a professional that’s a very important consideration. -Edward Fox as the Jackal

Hopefully this pick isn’t considered in bad taste in light of recent events. Based on the great novel by Frederick Forsyth. This is a tight excellent drama all the way through. What makes it especially fascinating is that the Jackal is not a terrorist; he is a professional killer doing this for money so he is not willing to die or be apprehended in the task, which makes his task much more difficult, his preparations very elaborate. There is also a great deal explanation of why right wing groups in France hated De Gaulle over his abandonment of Algiers. Just a great thriller film.
 
83. High Plains Drifter (1973)

Directed by: Clint Eastwood

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Verna Bloom, Marianna Hill, Mitchell Ryan

Synopsis:
Mysterious stranger comes into town to avenge previous wrongs

Your feet, ma’am as almost as big as your mouth. - Clint Eastwood as The Stranger

It occurs to me that the synopsis for this film could be the same for dozens of westerns. But of course nobody has ever played this part as good as Clint does. Stephen King modeled his Dark Tower gunslinger Roland off this character.

Is this movie and The Outlaw Josey Wales as good as the earlier Sergio Leoni spaghetti westerns that Eastwood was featured in during the previous decade? Probably not. As a director Clint tried to capture the same feel as the previous films and he comes close. But the earlier ones are probably a little better IMO.
 
83. High Plains Drifter (1973)

Directed by: Clint Eastwood

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Verna Bloom, Marianna Hill, Mitchell Ryan

Synopsis:
Mysterious stranger comes into town to avenge previous wrongs

Your feet, ma’am as almost as big as your mouth. - Clint Eastwood as The Stranger

It occurs to me that the synopsis for this film could be the same for dozens of westerns. But of course nobody has ever played this part as good as Clint does. Stephen King modeled his Dark Tower gunslinger Roland off this character.

Is this movie and The Outlaw Josey Wales as good as the earlier Sergio Leoni spaghetti westerns that Eastwood was featured in during the previous decade? Probably not. As a director Clint tried to capture the same feel as the previous films and he comes close. But the earlier ones are probably a little better IMO.
I would add that the Mono Lake scenery/cinematography enhanced an excellent film.
 
83. High Plains Drifter (1973)

Directed by: Clint Eastwood

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Verna Bloom, Marianna Hill, Mitchell Ryan

Synopsis:
Mysterious stranger comes into town to avenge previous wrongs

Your feet, ma’am as almost as big as your mouth. - Clint Eastwood as The Stranger

It occurs to me that the synopsis for this film could be the same for dozens of westerns. But of course nobody has ever played this part as good as Clint does. Stephen King modeled his Dark Tower gunslinger Roland off this character.

Is this movie and The Outlaw Josey Wales as good as the earlier Sergio Leoni spaghetti westerns that Eastwood was featured in during the previous decade? Probably not. As a director Clint tried to capture the same feel as the previous films and he comes close. But the earlier ones are probably a little better IMO.
interesting movie. Saw it long time ago and wanna rewatch again
 
83. High Plains Drifter (1973)

Directed by: Clint Eastwood

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Verna Bloom, Marianna Hill, Mitchell Ryan

Synopsis:
Mysterious stranger comes into town to avenge previous wrongs

Your feet, ma’am as almost as big as your mouth. - Clint Eastwood as The Stranger

It occurs to me that the synopsis for this film could be the same for dozens of westerns. But of course nobody has ever played this part as good as Clint does. Stephen King modeled his Dark Tower gunslinger Roland off this character.

Is this movie and The Outlaw Josey Wales as good as the earlier Sergio Leoni spaghetti westerns that Eastwood was featured in during the previous decade? Probably not. As a director Clint tried to capture the same feel as the previous films and he comes close. But the earlier ones are probably a little better IMO.
interesting movie. Saw it long time ago and wanna rewatch again
I enjoy Clint’s spaghetti westerns even if they are cheesy at times. I probably watch them every year and they haven’t got old yet.
 
82. The Boys from Brazil (1978)

Directed by: Franklin J. Schaffner

Starring: Gregory Peck, Lawrence Olivier, James Mason, Lily Palmer

Synopsis:
Dr. Mengele plots to create hundreds of clones of Adolf Hitler

I could create the right Hitler for the future! A Hitler for the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s! - Gregory Peck as Dr. Josef Mengele.

Based on the novel by Ira Levin, this is an Implausible thriller but somehow it works due to the strong characters and good acting. Peck is absolutely terrific as the villainous Nazi in a role completely opposite most of those he played in his career. Olivier, who also played a character loosely based on Mengele in an earlier film we will get to later on, here plays a character heavily based on Nazi hunter Simon Weisenthal, which demonstrates his amazing versatility as an actor. The ending sequence involving some Dobermans is pretty exciting.
 
81. The Twelve Chairs (1970)

Directed by: Mel Brooks

Starring: Frank Langella, Ron Moody, Dom DeLuise

Synopsis:
During the Russian Revolution diamonds are hidden in a set of chairs.

Remember the famous Russian proverb: “The hungrier you get the tastier the meal.” On the other hand the French have a proverb: ****! - Frank Langella as Ostep Bender

Mel Brooks was already well known for The Producers and would soon become a superstar of comedy for his blockbuster movies a few years later. This film came in between, and it’s lesser known but hilarious nonetheless, as it skewers Russia, the Revolution, and human nature. A very funny film.
 
82. The Boys from Brazil (1978)

Directed by: Franklin J. Schaffner

Starring: Gregory Peck, Lawrence Olivier, James Mason, Lily Palmer

Synopsis:
Dr. Mengele plots to create hundreds of clones of Adolf Hitler

I could create the right Hitler for the future! A Hitler for the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s! - Gregory Peck as Dr. Josef Mengele.

Based on the novel by Ira Levin, this is an Implausible thriller but somehow it works due to the strong characters and good acting. Peck is absolutely terrific as the villainous Nazi in a role completely opposite most of those he played in his career. Olivier, who also played a character loosely based on Mengele in an earlier film we will get to later on, here plays a character heavily based on Nazi hunter Simon Weisenthal, which demonstrates his amazing versatility as an actor. The ending sequence involving some Dobermans is pretty exciting.
I like this one a lot - Peck is definitely great as always, and Olivier's character is definitely different from the other film you mention with a similar premise.
 
81. The Twelve Chairs (1970)

Directed by: Mel Brooks

Starring: Frank Langella, Ron Moody, Dom DeLuise

Synopsis:
During the Russian Revolution diamonds are hidden in a set of chairs.

Remember the famous Russian proverb: “The hungrier you get the tastier the meal.” On the other hand the French have a proverb: ****! - Frank Langella as Ostep Bender

Mel Brooks was already well known for The Producers and would soon become a superstar of comedy for his blockbuster movies a few years later. This film came in between, and it’s lesser known but hilarious nonetheless, as it skewers Russia, the Revolution, and human nature. A very funny film.
I'm shocked that I've never heard of this.
 
80. Conrack (1974)

Directed by: Martin Ritt

Starring: Jon Voight, Paul Winfield, Madge Sinclair, Hume Cronyn

Synopsis:
Young idealistic white teacher attempts to educate poor illiterate black children on an island off South Carolina.

As for my kids, I don’t think I’ve changed their lives significantly, or altered the fact that they have no share in the country that claimed them, the country that’s failed them. All I know is that I felt much beauty in my time with them. - Jon Voight as Pat Conroy.

Based on Pat Conroy’s book The Water Is Wide, this movie is part of the tried and true Hollywood formula: liberal teacher goes to tough school and makes a difference. How many dozens of these films have we all seen over the years? Yet they’re usually pretty good. In this case Jon Voight does a fine job of playing the hero while Hume Cronyn, one of Hollywood’s great character actors, is a terrific villain. The racial commentary remains relevant today, IMO.
 

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